Proposed law targets protesters chanting ‘globalise the intifada’
Protesters who chant “globalise the intifada” could face up to six months in prison under a proposed new law following the recent Bondi Beach attack, where two gunmen killed 15 people at a family Chanukah event in Sydney, Australia, reports BritPanorama.
In response to the attack, police in London and Manchester announced plans to start arresting individuals who use the contentious chant. However, confusion remains as some police officers have not provided clear guidance, leaving questions about potential prosecutions by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for those apprehended.
A group of peers in the House of Lords is now advocating for an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, which would criminalise chants that incite violence, specifically including “globalise the intifada.” The term ‘intifada’ translates to uprising or rebellion and is widely recognised as associated with Palestinian armed resistance, often including violent acts against Israeli civilians.
The amendment aims to establish a new offence of promoting or advancing a holy or religious war or intifada, with penalties including up to six months in jail or monetary fines for offenders. Lord Jonathan Mendelsohn, the Labour peer behind the proposal, stated that such chants can be viewed as calls to violence, contributing to an atmosphere of hostility and extremism that threatens the foundations of democracy.
The Home Office is currently reviewing police powers to ensure law enforcement has adequate tools to address these chants, further highlighting the growing concern over public safety and the limits of free speech amidst rising tensions.
The political landscape surrounding such issues raises important debates about where the line is drawn between freedom of expression and the potential incitement of violence, reflecting broader tensions in contemporary society.
